Local

Commissioners approve animal ordinance

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Swain County Board of Commissioners adopted an animal control ordinance in the second vote of the law during the board’s regular meeting Thursday, Nov. 14. The ordinance passed 4-1 with Kenneth Parton opposing.

Bingo a lifeline for VFW Post 9281 veterans support

Melissa Ezro
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
As I walked into Post 9281 last Tuesday night, I was greeted by Diane Ellis, treasurer for the post and bingo manager of 32 years. Ellis was selling bingo packs and extras to guests as they approached her table. She greeted them all by name and made jokes as they made their purchases.
The new Swain High Lady Devils Wrestling team is pictured after their first official practice on Oct. 30. Some have competed on co-ed teams in the past and for others, the sport is new.

The new Swain High Lady Devils Wrestling team is pictured after their first official practice on Oct. 30. Some have competed on co-ed teams in the past and for others, the sport is new.

Swain Lady Devils get their own wrestling team

News Staff
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Swain County High School Head Wrestling Coach Adam Jaimez and Assistant Coach Ian Roper, met with The Times late last week and provided the inside scoop on the newest athletic team pioneering the way for female athletes. The Ladies of Swain County High School wrestling team started practicing Oct.

State likely to lift sewer moratorium

James Budd
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
A ban imposed by the state on new sewer taps in Bryson City will likely be lifted in a few weeks. Town Manager Regina Mathis said she has been working with the state Department of Environmental Quality and the town’s engineering consultant to get the ban lifted.

Celebration of life planned for NOC co-founder

News Staff
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
A celebration of life for Aurelia Turpin Kennedy, co-founder of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at NOC near Bryson City. Kennedy passed away at the age of 84 at her home in Wesser on Saturday, Sept. 14, surrounded by friends and family.

No surprises in unopposed municipal election

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
The Bryson City municipal election was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If the 2019 election in Swain County could be described in a word, take your pick: quiet, uneventful, dull even.  With just 3 candidates filing and 3 seats to fill, voter turnout was dismally low.
Photos submitted/SMT - Swain High Cinema Club members and alumni attend the All American High School Film Festival Red Carpet Event for the Teen Indy Awards. Pictured from left is Kim Holt, Tayla Holt, Amelia Rogers, Catherine Sawyer, Hannah Bradford and Joe Holt.

Photos submitted/SMT - Swain High Cinema Club members and alumni attend the All American High School Film Festival Red Carpet Event for the Teen Indy Awards. Pictured from left is Kim Holt, Tayla Holt, Amelia Rogers, Catherine Sawyer, Hannah Bradford and Joe Holt.

Swain Cinema Club gets its red carpet moment

Jessica Webb
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Times Square. It’s a place every American recognizes but it’s an altogether different feeling to be there by invitation and to be welcomed at a red carpet event.  “Well, I had never been to a city bigger than Asheville, so it was really different.

Sewer tap moratorium may impact development

James Budd
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Bryson City town board members are seeking clarification from the state after the town got a letter from the Department of Environmental Quality late last week imposing a sewer tap moratorium.